This week’s winners in our ongoing contest are: Gale Sroelov and Caryn Horn, both of whom will receive a signed copy of my latest book, “The Marriage Season”. As always, a new round begins today–comment, and you’re in. Two NEW winners will be chosen at random, notified by Jen, and announced right here this coming Monday.

It was a quiet Fourth–blessedly quiet–here on the Triple L. I read, walked the dog (repeatedly), pedalled industriously on my exercise bike to earn my 100% on my Activelink bracelet, and, yesterday, bestirred myself to visit the nail salon for a badly needed glamming up and, finally, the grocery store for COLD things to eat. Watermelon, my beloved kale salad, the rest. The Yorkie, Bernice, was mildly irritated with me for slipping out of the house without her, but, in the way of dogs, she forgave me quickly. Our barn walks were so hot that I draped a wet washcloth over Bernice’s little back to keep her from roasting.

Book to recommend: “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry”, by Fredrik Backman. Mr. Backman is the author of another favorite of mine, “A Man Called Ove”, which was recommended to me by my sister, Sally. The new story is magical, beautifully written–in short, I’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t become a mega-hit, feature-film phenomenon. I enjoyed every word!

Congrats to you too Gale!! My first ever contest win and I’m so excited it was one of Lynda Lael Miller’s books. We share a state although the state separates us but I am forever thankful for this gift! And to think, all I needed to do was comment. Any of you trying but haven’t won anything yet? Hang in there. It does come eventually. I’m a life-long fan.

It sounds hot there! Living in Texas for the past 7 months has been enlightening, weather wise. Since moving here they’ve ended their seven year long drought, and had the wettest winter they have ever remembered! You’re welcome Texas for me moving here and bringing Northern Illinois WET weather along with me! LOL! The summer has been a mild one so far I am told, so I’m just waiting for the 100 degree days! Humid they say?? Really! Fourty-five percent humidity is like a dry AZ desert to me! They consider it humid and muggy. They really don’t know what humidity is, do they?

Keeping the dogs cool in the heat is tough. I am trying to teach my three to swim in the pool with me. It’s going slow. They hear me say the word “swim” and all three of them run! LOL! I have high hopes.

Getting a new Foster pup in a week. Can’t wait to meet him. Let me know if you’re in the market for another rescue. He’s a 15 month old Papillon. I’ve been told he’s a real gem, trained quite a bit, so he should be an easy fit anywhere.

Enjoyed the book recommendations. Will have to check them out. The mother if a dear friend of mine wrote and published a book a few years ago,” Gratitude for Shoes”. It is also a very touching story about growing up in the Appalachian mountains . Check it out, I think you’d be blessed . have a good week

Linda, have you ever got a kiddie pool for Berniece? She’d love it! My friend in Arizona has one every year on the patio (covered area) for her Shih Tzu, Gidget. Watching that little girl splash and play and then get out and run around the yard and get all muddy is a HOOT!

Thanks Linda for making my Monday happy. I enjoy your posts as well as your reading recommendations. It’s supposed to hit 90 today in Michigan and I may have to water the plants if the mosquitos don’t carry me off! Take care of yourself & that cute little dog too.

Congrats to the winners. Our 4th was wonderful. We live in a 55+ gated community and have an annual parade of decorated golf carts, old cars and old ladies doing a drill team dance to patriotic music…my 81 y/o mother is one of them. I never miss one. the 4th is my favorite holiday and my aunt is visiting from Leavenworth, Kansas so we are having a great time.

Hi, Nikki.
I have to ask, since I was born in the Netherlands: Where is your base, or what town do you live in? Do you like it there? I’ve been back for several visits over the years (I was 1.5 years old when we emigrated to the U.S.) and find my hometown and many other places very charming.

Congrats to the winners. I hope you get cooler weather and some rain. It hard on people but animals can’t tell if they are to hot. I had to buy those cooling towels for myself. They may work for your little Bernice. I got mine at bed bath &beyond. Stay cool.

Congrats to the winners! Our neighborhood was pretty noisy the past few days with fireworks. I have spent the past two day pulling weeds around my husband fish pond so we can mulch it. I am worn out does pulling weeds count as excercise. I wouldn’t have done it but was tired of looking at the mess. He has let it go these past few years and it was in bad shape. I told him this is the last time I am doing this, it he can’t keep it up now I will get someone in here to tair it down.

I have a big fan going in the barn for my horse on these awefully hot days here in the Deep South! She will stay in the darkest part of the barn to escape the flies during the day. Night is when she will graze the pasture. Impossible to enjoy a ride during our summers!

Glad you had a nice 4th of July! Peaceful and quiet here! My pain has been aweful! Thank the Good Lord for getting me up everyday! Congratulations to the winners! What an outstanding prize you two have won! Thank you, Linda for your books and post! You are so gifted! God Bless!